A major contributing factor in the legendary Michael Schenker‘s comeback was the release of the album “Temple Of Rock” in 2011. To quote Michael, who sees himself as a building block with the entire construction of the Temple Of Rock, “The Temple Of Rock is almost finished. there’s not much left to expect, but I am glad to be a part of this temple. It is unbelievable fun and an honour to share a stage and make music with some of the world’s best musicians.”

Michael Schenker has gone on to release the double CD “Temple Of Rock – Live In Europe” earlier this month. It was recorded with many musicians, plus several special guests. The first CD (and part of the second) was recorded in Tilburg, Netherlands, in May 2012. the remainder of Disc 2 features extracts from London’s 2011 High Voltage Festival. It was released on three formats: CD Edition (2 discs), DVD Edition (1 disc) and Limited Deluxe Edition (2CD, 1 Blu-Ray, 1 Bonus DVD).

Of course as with the studio album, “Live In Europe” begins with the dulcet tones of William Shatner, then kicks off with the great chugging riff of “Into The Arena.” The solo is pure magic for any Schenker fan and straight away your are transported into Michael’s Flying V world. There are plenty of enthusiastic cheers from the crowd and then we are launched into the first vocal track “Armed And Ready” with Doogie White’s voice sounding clear and as though he’s having a great time. Michael Voss was introduced for “Hanging On” and stormed through the songs with his gravelly vocal style.

The instrumental track “Coast To Coast” again had me floating away to another world with the lovely, rich melodic guitar sound. Back to Doogie’s vocals and the pace steps up for “Assault Attack” which is really heavy. Then we go on to new material with “Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead“, before ending the first CD with “Let It Roll” and it rocks! What can you say about Michael’s precision guitar playing ? Just fantastic in my opinion!

CD2 continues to blast the listener with so many classic songs from Michael’s long career. My favourites include “Shoot Shoot,” and “Rock Bottom,” and it’s great to hear a different version of “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” with Michael Voss on vocals, and of course Rudolf Schenker appearing as a special guest at High Voltage.

The songs on the CD from the High Voltage show are all repeated , but that does not matter to me at all and I’m sure to any Schenker fans who buy one of the packages. The musicians are different, therefore you notice subtle changes in the songs, which makes them more interesting! Also, the differing vocals between Doogie White and Michael Voss are a great contrast. The musicianship from everyone on this album is outstanding and top class in every way, they produce amazing sounds throughout and the album really captures the feel of being at a live show. It also demonstrates how Michael is on top form, his performance is so slick and professional, evoking the feeling that you’re there watching the guitar maestro perform his metal magic.